PARIS: Is there Magic out there for the Padres?

Like Moores, the Dodgers are set to get a significant windfall thanks to TV broadcasting rights fees.

Like Moores' team, the Dodgers have fallen on hard times. The buzz that used to accompany the squad has dwindled.

But those in the know aren't talking about what might become of the Padres. Moores wouldn't return a call; Moorad was said to be unavailable.

All we are left with are numbers and speculation. Is that what patient Padres backers ---- and San Diego citizens who contributed some $300 million to constructing Petco Park ---- deserve a week before the season opener?

Moores stands to make a pile of dough because of the Dodgers' sale. Forbes recently pegged the Padres' value at $458 million, and recent media reports, citing Major League Baseball sources, say the team could sell for as high as $700 million.

That will make Moores an even richer man ---- if or when he sells. Moorad and his group will also have a bigger payday, and isn't that swell.

Meanwhile, as these fat cats meow to the bank, the Padres faithful wonder what they got for their money.

Former general manager Kevin Towers was ordered by Moorad to trade ace Jake Peavy. Towers did and was later fired by Moorad.

Former general manager Jed Hoyer was ordered by Moorad to peddle Adrian Gonzalez, Mike Adams and not offer Heath Bell a three-year deal. Hoyer did, and he was encouraged to scram when Moorad wouldn't match what the Cubs offered for a lateral move.

So the Padres head into the season without a TV contract or an owner happy to possess a baseball team. Instead of Moorad being a bridge over troubled waters from Moores to the next ownership group, Simon says we're left with a CEO named Tom Garfinkel.

Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio? Who cares? Padres fans might prefer asking, "Where have you gone Ray Kroc?"

CORRECTION: The first name of Earvin "Magic" Johnson was misspelled in the original posting of this story. We apologize.